Nanny GPS: Safety in Vehicles

Here are some tips on keeping children safe in vehicles.

• Never leave children alone in or around cars; not even for a minute.

• Fit your vehicle with appropriate age safety seats for each child.

• Use drive-thru services when available. (restaurants, banks, etc.)

• If you see a child alone in a vehicle, get involved as the child maybe in difficulties. Children can get very hot or sick in vehicles. If they look in trouble, get them out as quickly as possible. Call your local emergency number immediately.

• Keep vehicles locked at all times to prevent children from climbing into them. Get into the habit of setting your parking brake.

• Keys and/or remote openers should never be left within reach of children.

• Make sure all children have left the vehicle after it is parked and that you guide them to safety. Get into the habit of checking your child/children are not left in the car by accident as unfortunately there are many cases of children left to die in hot vehicles by distracted parents. If you might be prone to forget your child is in the car, a suggestion is to always have a teddy bear in the childs car seat. When the child is in the car, place the teddy bear in the front seat so you remember your child is there.

• Be especially careful about keeping children safe in and around cars.